John Clay's Sidelines

Big Blue Links for Thursday:

• Chip Cosby of the Herald-Leader writes on UK receiver Aaron Boyd and his brother Shane.
• Bulldogs Blog does a Q&A with Chip about this year’s Kentucky football team. (Hat tip to A Sea of Blue.)
• Jerry Tipton reports in the Herald-Leader that John Calipari’s assistants will receive academic incentives.
• Brett Dawson of the Courier-Journal writes on UK defensive tackle Myron Pryor.
• Dawson and Jody Demling of the C-J report that Memphis signee Darnell Dodson is “seriously looking” at Kentucky.
• Ryan Aber of the Oklahoman reports that Xavier Henry and his brother C.J. will pick Kansas.
• KU Sports will have a livestream of the Henry press conference, scheduled for 11:15 a.m. CDT.
• Zagsblog cites sources saying Manhattan coach Barry Rohrssen is mulling an offer to join Calipari’s staff.
• Same Zagsblog story says that ex-Memphis signee Nolan Dennis has committed to Baylor.
• The Wilmington Star-News writes that Gerald Henderson’s decision could impact John Wall’s decision. (Hat tip to Aaron’s UK Basketball Blog.)

Continue reading ‘BBL: Spring football, plus some recruiting links’

Big Blue Links for Friday:

• Jennifer Hewlett of the Herald-Leader writes on the death of former UK star Mike Casey.
• Tom Leach writes on Mike Casey.
• The H-L’s Jerry Tipton writes that Nolan Dennis is in no rush to commit.
• Tipton also writes that Daniel Orton is keeping his options open.
• Here is a Herald-Leader page devoted to possible UK recruits.
• Chip Cosby writes that there is strength in UK’s offensive line numbers.
• Mark Story writes that Rajon Rondo and the NBA are a perfect fit.
• David Climer of the Tennessean writes that John Calipari raises the bar high for the SEC.
• Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today writes that top recruits are scrambling.
• Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger reports that Eric Bledsoe has UK behind Florida on his list.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Mike Casey’s passing; recruiting news’

Big Blue Links for Thursday:

• William Wilkerson of the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram writes that Nolan Dennis’ mom says, “We would love to go to Kentucky.”
• My column on UK’s open basketball practice Wednesday.
• Jerry Tipton of the H-L writes that John Calipari shows a softer side at practice.
• Tipton reports on DeMarcus Cousins’ commitment to the Cats.
• Tipton writes on Calipari’s new assistant coaches.
• And, finally, Tipton gives updates on other possible UK recruits.
• Chip Cosby of the H-L reports that DeAunte Mason has been moved to tight end on UK football team.
• Mark Maloney of the H-L reports on UK baseball’s 10-9 loss to Western Kentucky.
• Tom Leach wants to see Michael Porter in a UK uniform one more time.

Continue reading ‘BBL: Dennis’ mom, “We would love to go to Kentucky.”’

Daniel Orton

Ah, recruiting craziness.

No sooner had Scout.com reported that Daniel Orton had requested to be released from his letter-of-intent to UK, his father, Larry Orton, says the report is not true.

Mr. Orton told WKYT, “”The guy made it up, like a lot of this stuff is made up.”

Daniel Orton told Larry Vaught at Kentucky Sports Report that he did not know yet if the family would ask for a release. “If it comes to that, I will be the one asking,” said Mr. Orton. “There’s no need to ask for a release until we decide if we need one.”

Meanwhile, Scout is now reporting that Memphis signee Nolan Dennis has asked for his release from Memphis and will give Kentucky a look. Dennis’ mother had said earlier that the family had an agreement with the school that if John Calipari left, Dennis could look elsewhere.

Stay tuned.

The mother of Memphis recruit Nolan Dennis tells the Memphis Commercial-Appeal that her son has an agreement with Memphis that he will be released from his letter-of-intent if John Calipari leaves as coach. He could then follow Calipari to the next destination.

Dan Wolken has the story in the Memphis Commercial-Appeal.

Carol Dennis says she nor her son has heard yet from Calipari.

Meanwhile, a Memphis radio station is reporting that Calipari has a 3:30 meeting with Memphis boosters. He could give his decision then. There is also talk of a possible 4 p.m. announcement. I’ve been told that another station is reporting that Calipari will not decide until tonight.